"Kriff, would you look at that," Dankin exclaimed, awe in his tone as they popped out of hyperspace near Bastion. Before them were ships of every description and shuttles ferrying dignitaries to the Chimaera.
"Record everything," Talon ordered. He knew Shada would want to see this.
"It's been a long fight to get here." Luke, who was standing at his right shoulder, commented while keeping his eyes trained on the viewscreen. "Kind of reminds me of the battle at Endor," he continued more softly as unwanted memories pierced like a knife stabbing him in his heart.
Mara remained quiet and leaned against the left side of Talon's chair. She was reflecting on her life and the changes it wrought to bring her, this day, to the signing. Secretly, she didn't want to attend, but as fiancé to the famous Luke Skywalker, had no choice. She wished she could trade places with Shada.
They were dressed for the signing in their finest attire, with Mara wearing a green gown that matched her eyes, with her lightsaber discretely hanging off a girdle two shades lighter that resembling newly sprouted grass. Luke was dressed all in black, while Talon had on a gold tunic with black pants over gleaming boots and a matching black cape.
Luke looked at his gleaming gold carcanet. "I've seen that design before." He pointed to the thick gold jewelry around Talon's neck.
Mara looked down at it. "It's his crest. You've seen it on some of my things."
"That's right." Luke remembered. "Family crest?"
"Almost; I took the original family crest that included a diamond and set it in a carrion's talon." The gold talon was protruding from a large slab of solid gold like emerging from molten lava or water, holding in its talons a hundred-carat diamond.
"Unidentified freighter this is Bastion Spaceport, identify yourself and state your business."
Talon punched a button on the arm of his console. "This is Talon Karrde of the Wild Karrde. I'm delivering Luke Skywalker to the signing."
Luke punched his shoulder lightly. "If you're going to name drop, the Emperors Hand might get us faster service."
"Stand by Wild Karrde. A shuttle will arrive shortly to take your party to the Chimaera. Have your docking lights on and be ready to board as soon as it docks."
"We'll be waiting." Talon cut the link. He noticed the Millennium Falcon drifting off his starboard. He patched a link to the other vessel. "Solo, you still onboard?"
"We're here and waiting. Leia has to have pomp when she arrives according to Pellaeon and Gavrisom."
"You being shuttled over? If so, we could go together," Talon offered.
"I have to take the Falcon in for a ceremonial landing." Han didn't sound happy.
"Our shuttle is approaching. See you soon." Talon went to cut the link.
"Hold on, Karrde, I'm getting an incoming message." Han put him on hold.
Talon started fidgeting as he watched the shuttle gliding smoothly up his port side, docking ramp extended. Orders were not to keep it waiting.
Han returned. "That was the Chimaera. You've been added to our ceremonial group for the landing. I'm coming around and will pick you guys up."
Talon watched as the shuttle broke off and headed to a yacht nearby. Talon turned his ship over to Dankin and led the way to the hatch. Once he insured a tight connection, he opened the tube. Luke led the way and once on the smaller freighter, quickly headed to the cockpit where they all crowded to watch Han fly into the Chimaera. Leia and Mara crowded behind Han, while Talon and Luke likewise pressed in behind Chewbacca.
Luke watched Han retract the docking tube, move into an open area and stop. "What are we waiting for now?" He asked.
"Our escort from Home One." He no sooner stopped talking and all twelve Rogues zoomed up and took positions around the Falcon.
Wedge's voice came over the commlink. "We polished our old faithful companions to make the New Republic proud, Solo. What did you do to spiffy yours up?"
Talon and Luke threw smirks at each other, knowing it was an open mic and all New Republic forces could hear the remark and retort, and most likely their transmission was recorded by the other side as well.
Han threw a grin to Chewie and got in the spirit. "The old girl may look rough on the outside, but when she descends the ramp in her fancy clothes…hey, I was just kidding, Sweetheart." Laughter was heard from several open mics. Leia had reached over and smacked his arm, but she was grinning like everyone else.
"This is the Chimaera. General Solo, you and your party are cleared to land at docking bay eight." Together, all fighters and Han were given explicit instructions for the landing formation and directions to that bay. With the schematic on everyone's navicom's, Han expertly led the procession through a menagerie of pressing vessels; flew through the magcon and settled on the repulsors in the exact spot requested, while the X-wings lined six to each side, settling as a unit. Ladders were hurried to them so the pilots could shed their flight suits and form an honor guard at the foot of the ramp. The group inside the Millennium Falcon waited, as did the captain of the Chimaera, a short distance from the arriving party. Also, several Imperial officers and Moffs were present.
Talon made sure he was at the back of the company and tried to hide behind Chewy.
Chewbacca woofed and pointed to a spot ahead of himself and Talon shook his head, drawing a chuckle from the Wookie, who was riding herd on the children. When Chewie raised a paw, he grinned and stepped where the Wookie instructed.
Han, in his General's uniform adorned with metals, offered his arm to Leia. "Let's get it started, so we can get it done."
Leia, dressed in her official white robes and long tresses styled in an intricate Alderaanian fashion, placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and they led the procession down the ramp, followed closely by Luke and Mara, likewise entwined.
Talon caught Wedge's eye as he passed and the slight smirk before the other General fell in step with him followed by the rest of the Rogues, in order of rank and tenure in the group.
"Admiral Pellaeon expresses his regrets at not being able to meet you, Princess Leia. He is greeting your President as we speak."
Leia smiled and took his outstretched hand. "I am honored to be met by the captain of this magnificent ship. Gilad and I will have plenty of time for official greetings and visiting. The honor is all mine." She went on to introduce everyone in the party, down to the last Rogue and her Norghri bodyguards.
"So these are the thorns in the side of the Empire all these years," the captain stated as he shook Wedge's hand.
"Skywalker here was our first Commander and founder of the Rogue Squadron," Wedge informed him.
"I assume you pilots are like Imperial pilots, so we have a fully stocked bar off to one side."
Before Wes could answer, Wedge shot him a glare. He personally guaranteed their conduct to Admiral Ackbar and President Gavrisom; a foolish pledge he knew. They were informed their counterparts, the equally infamous Black Squadron, would be present to represent the Empire.
Leia made personal comments to the officers the captain in turn introduced her to and it impressed the greeting party that she took the time to learn who they were. Ackbar and Airen Cracken personally tutored her and Han on those attending from the other side. The names drew memories of past engagements for Han as he fought many of those now smiling and shaking his hand enthusiastically.
Mostly humans crowded into the secondary command room, converted to what looked like a formal ballroom. Talon hugged one wall and watched while Leia mingled and played the ambassador and face of the New Republic the Imperials were so familiar with. He was relieved, Cakhmaim, never left her side.
In the largest docking bay, the luxurious private yacht reserved for the interim New Republic President and his entourage landed. The honor guard that preceded them down the gangway was handpicked by Airen Cracken and included his son, Pash and his commandos.
Gavrisom impressed the Imperial's with his knowledge of each of them when introduced by Pellaeon. He was carefully informed by Airen Cracken, who most likely would be in the welcoming party. The arrival timing coincided with Leia's so she didn't steal his spotlight, a fact not lost on Admiral Pellaeon that he couldn't be in two places at once.
In turn, Pellaeon showed the same conscientiousness when introduced to Admiral Ackbar and his personal entourage of military brass. Formalities over, Pellaeon led the way to the command room. All talking ceased when the two leaders entered and moved to a table, laden with datapads. Holonews floating droids captured the event and it was live transmitted down the holonet, and finally after decades, peace reigned. Mingling was slow to start as everyone was still focused on the two leaders as they chatted and motioned for individuals from each side to come, join the discussion and be introduced.
Han and Leia moved to stand beside Talon and he overheard them talking. Han was saying something about why she was crying and he heard a vague reply of, "Peace." He tuned in again when the name Lando was mentioned. Just as quickly, he stopped listening; something about shopping on Celanon. Something about strong women caught his attention again and he decided to join the conversation. "What's this about strong women?"
He found himself telling them how he connived Gavrisom and Pellaeon into lasting trust through him and his organization. He hadn't had a chance to talk to either since his last conversation with Leia which was at the last party the Solo's threw where Luke and Mara announced their engagement. True to her word, Leia shipped him sensitive information to help him achieve his goal, but they didn't really talk. They discussed groups and fires still to put out. Their conversation was disjointed, never staying more than a few seconds on each topic, and finally Han brought the subject back around to strong women. Han asked, "How's your organization going to manage without Mara?" They were watching Ghent, with his short hair now died back to his favorite bright blue, struggle to converse with Bel Iblis and Pellaeon.
He admitted to problems and was amazed how quickly the conversation with the Solo's turned to Shada and him becoming more than employer and employee. His vehement denial caused Solo to grin in a knowing manner and they kept teasing him until he issued an embarrassed denial. With Han's "Yeah, I know," ringing in his ears, he went to rescue Ghent.
'I'm not willing to share her yet,' Talon thought as he pushed through the throng to the side of the three men. "May I commandeer Mr. Ghent, gentlemen?"
Ghent looked relieved and both men nodded and went on with their conversation.
"You looked like you needed rescuing." Talon looked for the bar and maneuvered them in that direction until they were at a counter with stools.
Sinking on one, Ghent turned to his rescuer. "Boy did I ever. I don't know what to say to those types."
"If it makes you feel any better, I don't either." Talon ordered two Corellian whiskeys.
Ghent looked around. "Where's Shada?"
"She had a job for me elsewhere, why?" Talon forgo the custom of throwing the first shot back and sipped his slowly. He wasn't in the presence of Corellian's.
"I was hoping to ask her out again. You think she's really seeing someone?"
"I know for a fact she is. Can't you find a companion in the brothels on Coruscant?"
Ghent turned red.
"Kriff, you aren't a virgin, are you?" Talon didn't know whether to be alarmed or amused.
Ghent shook his head, "Before you recruited me, an older woman….well three years older than me took care of that. Then Chin took me to a brothel on Myrkr three times, but they weren't ladies, like Shada."
"You mean, you haven't had a woman since….what do you do?" Talon pumped his fist up and down fast.
Ghent shrugged. "Mostly I forget to go looking." Ghent was grateful when Wedge pushed in between them and ordered the best Corellian whiskey the ship offered.
Talon looked around the small bar, "I see your Rogues are staying out of trouble in here."
Wedge shook his head. "Stupid promise I made to Gavrisom and Ackbar. No way can I keep these flyboys and girls out of trouble. The Black Squadron showed up and now," he motioned for emphasis, "they are doing what was forbidden, swapping stories of the glory days when we fought each other. You know another couple of rounds and they'll be taking swings at each other. When that happens, I'm sneaking out."
Iella joined them and took Wedge's glass. "This is good. Get us a bottle, I'm working."
Talon smiled at her. "And they are watching you just as closely. I bet they have as many intelligence here as Cracken loaded Gavrisom's entourage down with. And," he pointed to her, "they have facial recognition on each of you and know exactly how you fit in within the New Republic."
"You didn't sell it to them did you?" Her eyes narrowed and he laughed.
"No, it was expected and vice versa."
She took another sip of her husband's drink. "I hate it when you're right, Karrde." They watched her go back to spying.
"I better get back to babysitting Janson," Wedge saluted with his glass and returned to his table.
Before Talon could turn back to Ghent, a voice interrupted. "Excuse me, are you Talon Karrde?"
Talon looked at a tall, thin man in an Imperial General's uniform. "I am."
"I'm Chevas Golan. A person is requesting a private audience. I'm to take you to them."
Talon's fears of being assassinated rushed to the forefront. "I would like to collect a bodyguard first if you don't mind."
"Of course."
Regretting to not disturb Leia for loan of a Noghri on Coruscant, Talon pushed his way through the crushing crowd looking for Leia, with the General on his heels. He found her talking to Admiral Pellaeon. "I'm sorry to interrupt. An individual has requested a private audience with me and I was wondering if I could borrow a Noghri, Princess."
"Of course, Talon. You know you don't have to ask to use one of my bodyguards." She motioned to Cakhmaim and he appeared immediately. "Cakhmaim, please assign one of your people to accompany Captain Karrde."
"Yes, Lady." Cakhmaim made his own motion and soon Gharakh appeared. "Go with Captain Karrde and guard him."
Relieved to have backup of that nature, Talon was more confident as he followed the General, who was about his own height. He was sporting a small blaster, tucked in his belt and had a miniature thermo detonator in the hollow part of his family crest belt buckle, but knew he couldn't outdraw a professional assassin.
"Is Karrde in danger?" Leia asked Pellaeon.
He laughed. "I think not, but one never knows. He's meeting a friend of mine who tells me she knew Karrde when they were children."
"She?"
Pellaeon returned her smile. "I believe she's an old flame, but I'll let you wheedle the information from him someday."
"To be sure, I will." They went back to talking about what peace would mean to both parties.
Talon and Gharakh were escorted directly into Admiral Pellaeon's private office as stated by the name on the door.
"Talon Karrde," Chevas announced and went to stand by a woman. She was standing at the large viewport watching the beautiful planet of Bastion below. She placed a hand on the arm of the man and smiled up at him.
Talon relaxed a little. This didn't look like a setup. Gharakh took up a post in front of the door. "How may I be of service?" He directed his question to the woman, who was silhouetted by lights pointed in his direction.
"You can be of service by filling me in on your last thirty years," she spoke. He couldn't place the voice and was puzzled by her strange request.
"Perhaps another request…..like the purchase of something the Empire would frown upon."
He watched her move in his direction. "I can't believe you've forgotten me, Talon."
He watched as her face came into view and his voice failed. It was her…..in the flesh. Three decades he dreamed of this moment and he was speechless. Her green eyes were the ones that haunted him all these years, but her youthful face matured into a beautiful woman, but her voice was different, more urbane, like his. He was going to ask Pellaeon if he knew of her, and here she was, in the flesh before him.
She didn't stop until standing in front of him and his own eyes confirmed what his brain was trying to tell him, she lived. Impulsively, he took her hands and pulled her in for a hug. Stepping back, he continued to hold one hand, while his free one stroked his facial hair. Voice returning, he spoke. "I dreamed of this moment all these years. Why didn't you contact me?"
Her countenance saddened and she pulled her hand away and looked at the General. "Chevas, drinks please." She looked back to Talon. "I don't know about you, but this calls for a celebration." She sat and motioned for him to sit opposite her. Chevas joined them.
He nodded and expressed thanks for the drink pressed into his hand. Without waiting for a toast, he took a large gulp. Courage flowing through his veins, he turned back waiting for her answer.
"I didn't know where you'd gotten to. After I was taken from you, I was sent here and told if I tried to contact you, my father would have you killed. I believed him, but it came at a cost to the family. I forbade them to ever contact me again in my exiled prison, Bastion. I went to college, where I met my husband."
"I am your husband," Talon interjected.
She shook her head. "My grandfather, the king, had it annulled and the records that I ever married in my intemperate youth, sealed. You disappeared from Empress Teta and no word of you came my way until the peace accords, when I was told by Chevas, a Talon Karrde was an information broker. I obtained a holograph of you and had no doubt what you'd look like in thirty years. I hope I haven't disappointed you too much in the toll those same years have taken on me."
For the first time, Talon smiled. "You've aged far more gracefully than I, but a life of leisure is a far cry from being the top smuggler in the galaxy."
"Please tell me I miss-heard." She looked stricken and glanced at the General.
Chevas nodded. "I researched him. He is what he claims and much more."
Talon drew her attention back to him. "I searched for months for you until I was starving. I got caught stealing food from a large smuggling organization. They took me in and I was traded to another smuggler who needed bodies. I learned the trade from the bottom to the top. I was determined to be the best smuggler ever and quickly rose through the ranks. When my boss disappeared, I made a power grab for his organization, and either killed or subdued the other lieutenants, and became boss. I've held that title for almost twenty-five years. You didn't hear of me because I work behind the scenes. The quickest way to get the authorities after you is make a name and become a target." He stopped talking for a pause. "You said your grandfather annulled the marriage. Do you have a copy?"
Briesta reached in a hidden pocket of her dress and produced a flimsiplast.
He opened it and read. "Can I keep this?"
"Of course."
He looked up as he put the flimsiplast in a pocket inside his cloak. "You got married..." he picked up her broken story.
She smiled and looked to the chair beside her, "To Chevas. We met in college. He was on campus recruiting for the military. We married the following year and have five children. The first three are boys and in the military, ranking from cadet to Lieutenant. And then came two daughters, who are still at home."
Talon let the relief show. Usually he controlled his facial features, but made an exception for the moment. "You have better brought holos."
She reached back in her pocket and soon a holo of a handsome young man danced between them. "This is Cris, our eldest." She cycled through the holos until Cris was once again between them.
"He's not mine I hope." Talon had to know.
Breista gave a small laugh. "No, we didn't have any." She noticed he didn't force the relief on his still very handsome features.
"That's a relief."
"I can see it on your face. Now tell me about your family," she prompted.
"No bastards and no wives." He patted over the flimsiplast. "I didn't know I could."
"But you have someone?"
"Her name is Shada and she's my second."
"Oh good. I trust she's here and we're going to march out there and meet her."
"She's doing a job for me and as far from Bastion as one can get and still be in the same galaxy. Now that I can marry again, she is the one."
"I'm sorry the pain my family caused you." Breista wanted to say that to him for years.
He pocketed the holograph, "We can't change the past, but to see you alive has gone a long ways in healing any acrimonious thoughts and feelings I have harbored."
Chevas broke in, "How long are you staying, Captain?"
"I'm leaving tonight. I have a large organization and have fires that need to be extinguished and fast."
"Will you come back this way again?" Breista asked.
"Now that I'm dealing with your empire, probably, but I don't know when. You said you cut ties with your family, why?"
"I was in the hall when they beat you. They drugged me and father came here to tell me my marriage was over. All I could see before me was a monster. They tried to contact me, but I've refused."
"For the sake of your children, you should reconsider."
"You remember how it was; arranged marriages and politically motivated everything. I don't want my children to know that type of lifestyle exists. Here they aren't royal brats, but individuals. They will fail or succeed based on their lives and choices, not at the whim of someone else, like you and your family suffered at the hands of mine."
He listened to the venom in her tone. "Truthfully, I haven't given Empress Teta much thought after breaking out of what you just described, but I took those lessons on how to manipulate and control to build the largest organization of the underworld you've ever seen. I remember your mother being kind to me and would love to see her grandchildren. Don't let what they did to me influence you against your mother. She's getting older."
"I'll give it thought. I see you maintained the long hair style of our home planet."
"I cut it once and felt naked. It's who I am."
"You've really murdered beings?" His confession made her wonder at how a man could change so much.
He glanced at Chevas for permission to answer. At his slight nod, Talon continued. "Part of my profession. I don't kill good people, they all deserved it and most were trying to kill me." He almost told them what Shada was, but stopped. "I had a tip you were in this sector and was going to ask Admiral Pellaeon if he knew you."
"We're good friends of his and Chevas works directly under him."
"Speaking of which, we better get out of his office before he thinks I'm raiding his files and drinking his brandy." He sat the empty brandy glass down and stood, as did Breista and Chevas. "Gharakh, thank you for coming with me." He introduced the Noghri.
"I admit to only seeing one of your kind a long time ago," Chevas told him. He felt strange talking to something looking so alien.
To his surprise, the small fierce looking gray skinned being answered in basic. "We haven't served the empire for ten years and then only as commandos for Lord Vader personally and after that a few Grand Admirals." Gharakh opened the door and they moved as a group to the secondary command room. He spoke quietly to Talon. "Talonclankarrde, does Lady Shada know about this?"
"She does, my friend."
They walked into two groups, who obviously had been fighting. Wedge stood at attention before Admirals Pellaeon and Ackbar. Beside him and in front of his pilots was the leader of Black Squadron. Not able to get around, Talon, the Golan's and Gharakh stopped to eavesdrop.
Ackbar's gravely voice clearly carried to them. "I trusted you, General."
"Yes, Sir," Wedge replied.
"As did I, General Cornell," Pellaeon was standing beside Ackbar. "Who threw the first punch?"
Wedge and Cornell looked at each other and both slowly raised their hands together.
"It was hard to tell who was faster," Wedge volunteered.
Talon almost laughed aloud and exchanged a glance with Chevas and found the officer of like mind and trying to control his own smile. They turned back to the dressing down.
"And of course the Rogue Squadron couldn't let their superior officer fight his own battle?" Ackbar rolled his eyes in different directions and noted their guests at the edge of the group. "Major Janson, it is rumored you threw the next punch….report."
Wes straightened even straighter. "I take full responsibility for my actions, Sir. When General Cornell said his fighters could fly circles around ours, I lost control, Sir."
"And it won't happen again, will it?" Ackbar stressed the last.
Wes, being Wes answered before thinking of the fragile politics. "Of course it will, Sir. I've fought them for years and know just how to vape their miserable little Ties."
Wedge, standing in front of Wes almost lost it and concentrated on how uncomfortable his uniform was as he kept his eyes on the wall between the Admirals. He wanted to double up laughing.
Ackbar flushed a deeper orange and turned to Pellaeon. "Forgive his manners, Admiral. We didn't enforce strict discipline and let them express personalities of cockiness if it got the job done."
"Maybe if our side allowed more leeway, we would still be scrapping. I find an honest opinion refreshing. What say we let these two number one units get back to drinking," Pellaeon offered.
"We are guests and I expect you officers to set a good example," Ackbar ordered the Rogues. "You have let me down. I'm ordering you to return to Home One.
General Cornell dared to risk demotion and a mark on his record. "Sir, Admiral Ackbar, I provoked them with my supercilious remarks and attitude. It's gracious of Rogue Squadron to stay silent and take the fall for something I started. It takes superior character to do so. I insist, if they be disciplined, my unit and I receive the identical punishment."
Pellaeon put a hand on Ackbar's shoulder. "I say we let them continue drinking and making friends. I for one am willing to overlook my spirited pilots, and your pilots also."
Ackbar nodded. "Very well." He turned to his Rogues. "Try to remember what little manners your mothers imparted to you, dismissed. Not you, Antilles."
"Nor you, Cornell," Pellaeon echoed his fellow Admiral.
Both men remained in place.
Ackbar spoke first. "Antilles, did I give you an impossible order?"
Wedge hesitated. "We tried, but making me responsible for a Rogue in a bar is unfair, Sir."
Ackbar's mouth opened in simulation of a smile and he turned to Pellaeon. "I did so on purpose, knowing he would fail. I have trouble controlling the best pilot I've ever seen fly for the New Republic."
Pellaeon laughed. "I admit to a similar maneuver with General Cornell. He has the same exaggerated ego." He looked at the General's. "Gentlemen, when you command an entire fleet and have such talent under your command, you will understand." He waved his hand for them to leave.
Cornell turned to Wedge. "Antilles, I owe you an apology." He held his hand out and Wedge took it gladly. Together they returned to their units.
Talon and company moved to join the Admirals and addressed Ackbar and he spoke. "I seem to remember a time you shuttered at the thought of working with the Smugglers Alliance."
"I agree, Karrde. There are worse beings to order around than hotshot pilots."
Talon introduced Breista and Chevas to Ackbar while Gharakh went back to guarding Leia.
At the term, Pellaeon remembered him being head of the Smugglers Alliance. "You went up against Thrawn ten years ago. That's where your name first came to my attention. Come, a drink and food awaits you, and I want to hear your version."
"So do we." Breista invited herself and husband and soon they were seated at a table with two Admirals, a plight Talon didn't desire. Han walked by and made a kissing face at him and he plotted revenge, while glad nobody was paying attention to Solo. He filled both Admirals in, including his capture and Luke's rescue.
"I haven't seen much of Luke." Ackbar just noticed his star Jedi was missing.
"He's with his fiancé, Admiral," Talon informed him as if that explained everything.
"And?" Ackbar questioned. Before Talon could explain, he raised a hand. "I have been told by General Solo, I have no comprehension of human relationships. He always got upset whenever I would barge into his bedroom unannounced. I'll try and remember not to do so with Luke and Mara."
The humans at the table burst out laughing.
Talon let Breista and Chevas walk him to the shuttles. He took her hands in his. "I'm so happy for the closure you've given me." He shook Chevas' hand. "I can't think of a better man to replace me."
"I hope you now find happiness with a wife," Chevas responded.
On the short flight to the Wild Karrde, he let loneliness of being away from Shada dampen his mood. He called Han and told him he caught a shuttle and was leaving orbit.
"I'm rounding the kids and taking off ourselves. Luke informed me, he was hitting you up for a ride to Yavin IV. Gavrisom and Home One is staying for a few days. Leia wants to let Gavrisom be our leader without her influence and that's fine with me. See you up a run, Solo out."
Talon put his commlink away. His crew was waiting and wanted details. He gave a brief overview and ordered Dankin to maneuver through the maze of ships and to a hyperspace lane.